Invention interview process

ABSTRACT

In general, in one aspect, the invention features a method of facilitating conception of inventive concepts by an inventor, preferably including the following steps. First, interviewing an inventor to identify or otherwise characterize a basic invention. Second, facilitating conception of inventive elements using creative stimulus comprising how-type questions relating to the functioning of the invention identified in the first step. Third repeating the second and third steps.

1. CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of, and expresslyincorporates herein by reference, the entire disclosures of thefollowing U.S. Patent Applications:

[0002] U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ (ipCG-507), entitledSYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FACILITATING THE CONCEPTION OF INVENTIONS IN ADIRECTED MANNER, filed Feb. 12, 2001, which in turn claims priority toU.S. patent application Ser. No. 60/181,459, entitled PROCESS FORFACILITATING THE CONCEPTION OF INVENTIONS IN A DIRECTED MANNER, filedFeb. 10, 2000;

[0003] U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ (ipCG-508), entitledNETWORK BASED SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FACILITATING THE CONCEPTION OFINVENTIONS IN A DIRECTED MANNER, filed Feb. 12, 2001, which in turnclaims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 60/181,816, entitledWEB-BASED PROCESS FOR FACILITATING THE CONCEPTION OF INVENTIONS IN ADIRECTED MANNER, filed Feb. 11, 2000;

[0004] U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ (ipCG-509), entitledINVENTION INTERVIEW PROCESS, filed Feb. 12, 2001, which in turn claimspriority to U.S. patent application Ser No. 60/181,741, entitledINVENTION INTERVIEW PROCESS, filed Feb. 11, 2000;

[0005] U.S. patent application Ser. No. (ipCG-519), entitled AUTOMATEDIP TRACKING SYSTEM AND METHOD, filed Feb. 12, 2001, which in turn claimspriority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 60/181,741, entitledAUTOMATED IP PROCESS FOR TRACKING IP MATTERS, filed Feb. 11, 2000;

[0006] U.S. patent application Ser. No. (ipCG-506), entitled SCANNINGINVENTION PROCESS, filed on Jan. 19, 2001, which in turn claims priorityto U.S. patent application No. 60/179,675, entitled SCANNING INVENTIONPROCESS, filed Jan. 19, 2001.

2. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The invention relates to a novel interview process for elicitingdisclosure and/or conception of inventive information from an individualor group, enhancing an invention through structured interviewtechniques, and documenting the output of the invention interview inorder to accurately and comprehensively define the potentialintellectual property space occupied by the invention covers, and tofacilitate the creation of an invention disclosure document, provisionalpatent application, or utility patent application.

3. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Art relating to the background of the invention is discussed inthe ensuing subsections.

[0009] 3.1 Invention as a Creative Process

[0010] One way in which humans are distinguished from other animals isthe degree of human inventiveness. The earliest human archeologicalsites are characterized by the presence of tools invented by humans. Theadvent of recorded history is the direct result of human invention, andthat history is largely a history of human invention, as seen in theadvance of science and technology and corresponding changes in humansocial, organizational and political structures. Today, the inventiveprocess is the source of an unprecedented pace of technologicaldevelopment, which characterizes the ever-changing modern world.

[0011] Given the historical and cultural importance of invention, manyresearchers have investigated the mental processes associated withinventing. For example, Colangelo et al. investigated mechanicalinventiveness (i.e., the conception and development of new devices whichrequire use of mechanical principles) to identify psychologicalcharacteristics shared by successful inventors (Ciba Identified. Symp.1993, 178:160-70). Other researchers have focused on the creativeaspects of groups. Still others have investigated the effects of socialor organizational structures on inventiveness. Lamoreaux et al., forexample, investigated the effects of economic changes on the rate ofinvention and concluded that high rates of inventive activity encouragethe evolution of a market for technology, which in turn encouragesgreater specialization and inventive productivity as individuals find itincreasingly feasible to sell and license their discoveries (Proc NatlAcad Sci U.S.A. 1996; 93(23): 12686-92).

[0012] 3.2 Invention Process as a Legal Property Process

[0013] Most countries of the world have established legal schemes togovern the patenting of inventions. Patent laws are typicallyadministered by a centralized patent office, and only licensed patentattorneys and/or agents are legally permitted to practice patent law.

[0014] In the United States, the patent system is based on Article I ofthe U.S. Constitution and consists an enormous body of statutory law,case law, regulations and procedures, administered by the U.S. Patentand Trademark Office (USPTO). Although individual inventors mayrepresent themselves before the USPTO, only registered patent attorneysand patent agents may represent others. Patent attorneys and agents mustqualify for registration by passing a federally administered exam. Theexam requires prospective patent attorneys and agents to demonstrate adetailed knowledge of patent law and procedure. However, while patentattorneys and agents are experts in patent law, they typically have noformal training in the art of inventing or in techniques for workingwith inventors or others to facilitate invention.

[0015] 3.3 Invention Software Tools for Extracting Details of anInvention

[0016] Software tools are currently available for use by attorneys andinventors to document inventions. For example, the PatentPro™ softwaresystem is stated to “walk the user through the patent applicationprocess with ease and at a fraction of the cost of hiring a patentattorney.” See www./patpro.com/press041300.htm. After the user hascompleted all steps, the software is asserted to produce a properlyformatted patent application suitable for submision to the USPTO.However, presently available systems do not facilitate invention, nor dothey facilitate expansion of an invention concept.

4. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0017] In general, in one aspect, the invention features a method offacilitating conception of inventive concepts by an inventor, preferablyincluding the following steps. First, interviewing an inventor toidentify or otherwise characterize a basic invention. Second,facilitating conception of inventive elements using creative stimuluscomprising how-type questions relating to the functioning of theinvention identified in the first step. Third repeating the second andthird steps.

[0018] Implementations of the invention may include one or more of thefollowing. The basic invention is preferably identified and/orcharacterized by accomplishing any one or more of the following. First,facilitating drawing of a diagram of the basic invention. Second,facilitating definition of one or more elements of the basic invention.Third, facilitating definitions of problem(s) solved and/or problems tobe solved by the basic invention.

[0019] Concepts are preferably communicated to the inventors and theconcepts may include the following: concept of an invention being afunction of the problem to be solved by the basic invention, theelement(s) that comprise the basic invention, and how the elements areconnected or interrelated; a ladder of abstraction; prior art, novelty,nonobviousness, inventive step, and bar dates; inventorship; enablementand written description; and concept of prior art.

[0020] The basic invention may be grown using the following. First,identifying the basic invention. Second, selecting a questioning theme.Third, identifying an aspect of the basic invention by one or moreinventors that falls within the questioning theme. Fourth, identifyingenhancements to the basic invention by the one or more inventors,wherein the enhancements relate to the aspect of the invention. Fifth,repeating the third and fourth steps one or more times for alternateaspects of the basic invention within a questioning theme. Sixth,repeating the second through fifth steps one or more times for alternatequestioning themes. The alternate questioning themes may be selectedfrom one or more of the following: disadvantages of the basic invention;advantages of the basic invention; operability issue(s); other ways tosolve a same problem; licensing strategies; and identification ofcompetitors and/or competitive products.

[0021] Prior to the “growing” of the basic invention, preferablycommunicating to the inventor(s) any one or more of the followingconcepts: concept of an invention being a function of a problem to besolved by the basic invention, element(s) that comprise the basicinvention, and how the element(s) are connected or interrelated; aladder of abstraction; prior art, novelty, nonobviousness, inventivestep, and bar dates; inventorship; and enablement and writtendescription.

[0022] The output of any of the above steps and/or administrativeinformation may be documented and/or recorded.

[0023] In general, in a second aspect, the invention features a methodof facilitating conception of inventive concepts by an inventor and mayinclude one or more of the following steps. First, communicating to theinventors concepts selected from the following group: concept of aninvention being a function of a problem to be solved by the basicinvention, element(s) that comprise the basic invention, and how theelement(s) are connected or interrelated; a ladder of abstraction; priorart, novelty, nonobviousness, inventive step, and bar dates;inventorship; and enablement and written description. Second, definingdetail of the basic invention the defining detail of the basic inventionmay include one or more of the following: first, interviewing aninventor to identify or otherwise characterize a basic invention;second, facilitating conception of inventive elements using creativestimulus comprising how-type questions relating to the functioning ofthe invention identified in the first step; and third repeating thefirst and second steps. Third, growing the basic invention by one ormore of the following steps: first, identifying the basic invention;second, selecting a questioning theme; third, identifying an aspect ofthe basic invention that falls within the questioning theme; fourth,identifying enhancements to the basic invention by the inventor(s),wherein the enhancements relate to the aspect of the invention; fifth,repeating the third and fourth steps one or more times for alternateaspects of the basic invention a questioning theme; and repeating thesecond through fifth steps one or more times for alternate questioningthemes. Fourth, documenting and/or recording the output of any of stepsabove. Fifth, documenting and/or recording the administrativeinformation.

[0024] The alternate questioning themes may include one or more themesfrom the following group: disadvantages of the basic invention;advantages of the basic invention; operability issues; other ways tosolve a same problem; licensing strategies; and identification ofcompetitors and/or competitive products.

[0025] 5. Definitions

[0026] As used herein, the term “invention” means conceptual subjectmatter pertaining to (1) a useful product or process not previouslyknown to the person(s) conceiving of the invention; or (2) a new use foran existing product or process, which use was not previously known tothe person(s) conceiving of the invention. The term “invention” includesboth patentable and non-patentable subject matter. It is noted thatpatentability is based on legal standards, which vary with changes inlaw; furthermore, patentability is premised on a legal analysis of theprecise words of a patent claim and not on the degree of novelty,utility, enablement, etc. of an inventive concept in general. The term“inventor,” is used herein to refer to one who has solely or jointlyconceived of an invention.

[0027] Unless specifically indicated, legal terms of art used herein(e.g., product, process, novel, nonobvious, utility, enable and thelike) should be understood in their broadest sense, as encompassing notonly strict legal definitions, but also encompassing ordinary meaningthat would be attributed to the terms by one with no specializedknowledge of patent law.

6. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028]FIG. 1 illustrates the overall process of the invention for takingraw ideas and generating a written invention disclosure or patentapplication.

[0029]FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a marker invention, illustratingthe process of the invention.

[0030]FIG. 3 is an illustration of the use of the “Ladder ofAbstraction”, using the marker invention of FIG. 2 to illustrate themethod of the invention using variously defined points that demonstratethe “level” of an invention.

7. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] The invention generally relates to a method for interviewing oneor more inventors to identify information relating to an invention,enhancing the invention through a structured interview, and documentingthe output of the invention interview in a systematic way to accuratelyand comprehensively define the potential intellectual property spacethat the invention covers. The method of the invention also facilitatesthe creation of an invention disclosure document, provisional patentapplication, or utility patent application.

[0032]FIG. 1 illustrates the overall process of the invention. An idea101 is presented to and/or conceived by an inventor 102. A facilitator103 conducts a session according to the novel interview process 104 ofthe invention to elicit further ideas relating to the invention. Thissession results in the generation and collection of information, whichis documented in an invention interview form 105 or other document.

[0033] In the method of the invention, the initial inventive idea 101does not need to be enabled (i.e., it is not necessary for one of skillin the art to be able to make and use the invention); however, themethod of the invention is useful, even where the invention is fullyenabled and/or actually reduced to practice. For example, the method ofthe invention is particularly useful where the idea an enabled inventionhas not been recorded in a descriptive document suitable to facilitate apatentability by a patent agent and/or patent attorney. Moreover, themethod of the invention is also useful in circumstances in which anenabled invention has never been examined for possible improvements oralternative uses.

[0034] The facilitator 103 is one who is trained to execute theinvention interview process of the invention. The facilitator 103 guidesthe inventor(s) 102 through the invention interview process. It is notnecessary for the facilitator 103 to be knowledgeable in the technologyfield of the invention. Where an inventor is trained in the method ofthe invention, he or she can serve as both the facilitator and theinventor. In other words, such an individual can use the method documentand expand the scope of his or her own invention, and no “interview” isnecessary. Thus, for example, written materials or a computer program,which trains an inventor in the method of the invention is within thescope of the invention.

[0035] The invention interview form 105 or document is preferablycompleted by the facilitator 103 during the invention interview process.However, the form or document may be completed by one other than infacilitator 103, either during or after the interview process. Theinterview is preferably recorded (e.g., sound and/or audio recording) tofacilitate completion of the form 105 or document after the interviewprocess.

[0036] The completed form or disclosure document will generally includea textual description of the invention and may also contain drawings,schematics, flowcharts, photographs, software source code, and/or otherinformation. The form or disclosure document may be completed manually,or with the use of a computer. Where a computer is used, input may be byany of a variety of available input means, such as keyboard, mouse,digital pen, sound recording, and the like. Voice-to-text andhandwriting-converting software may be useful in the process ofinputting such information.

[0037] The interview process of the invention generally comprises anyone or more of the following steps:

[0038] 1. training inventors on the inventive process and on legal,business, and/or scientific concepts regarding the definition of aninvention;

[0039] 2. systematic questioning of the inventor(s) to understand andenhance the invention;

[0040] 3. “growing” the invention;

[0041] 4. documenting the output of steps 1-3 in a standardizedinvention interview form (optionally including visually or audiallyrecording the execution of steps 1-3); and

[0042] 5. capturing administrative information.

[0043] Preferably steps 1-4 are used, more preferably steps 1-5 areused. The steps may be performed in any logical order. Each step isdiscussed in the ensuing subsections 6.1-6.5.

[0044] 7.1 Training of Inventors

[0045] Step 1 involves communicating information to the inventorsrelating to the inventive process and legal, business, and/or scientificconcepts regarding the definition of an invention. The inventors arepreferably trained to recognize one or more basic legal conceptsrelating to patentability. Examples of concepts in which the inventorsare trained include: utility, enablement, written description, novelty,nonobviousness, inventive step, etc. It will be understood that wherelegal concepts are involved, the subject matter of the training willvary to conform with changes in the law, and will vary fromcountry-to-country, to account for differences in legal systemsgoverning patenting of inventions.

[0046] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the inventor(s) aretrained in one or more of the following concepts:

[0047] invention as a function of the problem to be solved, the elementsthat comprise the invention, and how the elements are connected orrelated

[0048] the ladder of abstraction creativity tool

[0049] novelty, nonobviousness, inventive step, prior art and the like,and the relationship of these concepts to bar dates

[0050] legal and/or business concepts relating to inventorship

[0051] legal and/or business concepts relating to enablement

[0052] The training of inventors is preferably accomplished directly bya facilitator. The facilitator may be present with the inventor(s) orphysically and/or geographically separated from the inventor(s). Variousmeans of communication may be used, such as visual, audio, and/ortextual telecommunications, internet communications, etc. Moreover, thetraining may be accomplished without need for the facilitator, e.g., byvideo or audio presentation, use of a website, use of a computerprogram, use of textual materials, and the like.

[0053] 7.2 Systematic Questioning of Inventor(s)

[0054] The interview process generally involves a facilitator (a trainedindividual who understands the interview process) and an inventor. Theinterviewing session involves systematically questioning the inventor toelicit information from the inventor. Information elicited preferablyincludes information relating to problems solved by the invention;solutions to such problems; enabling concepts relating to thecomponents, design, steps, principles of operation and the like; andinformation relating to alternative embodiments.

[0055] 7.2.1 Understanding the Problem Solved by the Invention

[0056] In general, the interview method of the invention comprises astep in which the facilitator elicits information from the inventorrelating to the basic problem solved by the invention, the elements ofthe invention and the operational relationship between the elements. Ina preferred embodiment, this information is elicited using the followingsubsteps: drawing a picture of the invention; defining the elements ofthe picture; and defining the problem(s) solved or to be solved.

[0057] The method of the invention also preferably includes a step inwhich the facilitator facilitates conception by the inventor ofadditional details or alternative embodiments of the invention. Thisstep is suitably accomplished using the following substeps: using theladder of abstraction method to define a problem to be solved;understand the elements and how of the ladder of abstraction; anditerating the first two substeps to understand the invention between thebusiness level and the science level.

[0058] By way of example, FIG. 2 represents a drawing of a fictional dryerase marker invention. The inventor of the dry erase marker has createdthe drawing in FIG. 2 during the invention interview session in responseto a question by the facilitator, such as “Can you draw me a picture ofyour invention and label each of the elements?” FIG. 2 shows the marker201 with the marker body 202, ink level 203, clear plastic window 204,felt marker tip 205, and marker cap 206. In response to thefacilitator's question “What problem are you trying to solve?” theinventor indicates that the problem solved by the invention can bestated as “How to see the level of ink in the marker.” Hence, the reasonfor the basic invention, which is the addition of the clear plasticwindow 204 to the dry erase marker body 202, is now understood.

[0059] 7.2.2 Facilitating Additional Conception: Up the Ladder ofAbstraction

[0060] Next, the facilitator facilitates further conception by theinventor, preferably by employing a creativity tool, such as the “ladderof abstraction” tool. In this aspect of the invention, the inventor asksa series of questions, preferably in the form of “why” questions, suchas “Why is the window important?” Use of the “ladder of abstraction”tool is illustrated by FIG. 3.

[0061] Points 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 are encircled in FIG. 3. Point 1represents the starting point in this aspect of the invention. Point 1shows a brief description of marker 201, representing the concept of theinvention as it has been established upon completion of the methoddescribed in Section 6.2.1. The ink level in the dry erase marker can beviewed through a clear plastic window 307 along the side of the markerbody 301.

[0062] The question “Why is point 1 important?” elicits an answer, point2, which is an additional or alternative concept as compared to theconcept identified at point 1. The inventor explains that a user has noway of knowing when the ink in the marker is depleted until the markeris being used in a presentation. This statement of the reason for theinvention leads to the discovery of a new problem to be solved: how tomeasure the amount of ink in the marker. The identification of thisproblem leads to a further improvement to the basic invention. The clearplastic window 307 along the side of the dry erase marker body 305 mayhave a scale 312 that indicates the amount of ink remaining in themarker 302.

[0063] Similarly, the question “Why is point 2 important?” results inthe observation by the inventor that the user needs to avoid running outof fluid during a presentation. This observation points to a problem:how to prevent ink from running out. The identification of the problemleads to a solution: a secondary ink fluid reserve tank that allows afixed short amount of writing time and shown as point 3 uses apenetrable ink bladder 313 activated by pressing a button 314 on the dryerase marker body.

[0064] An inventor discussing his or her invention usually describes theinvention in terms of the technical problem solved by the invention.Asking a series of “why” questions elicits production and conception ofhigher levels of integration. New problems to be solved are identified,solutions to the problems are elicited in the form of enhancements tothe original invention or the discovery of other applications for theinvention.

[0065] Movement up the ladder of abstraction provides a broader set ofreasons for the invention, and thereby elicits conception of broaderand/or alternative inventions or aspects of the original invention.

[0066] In the method of the invention the starting point is preferably atechnical reason for an invention, and the series invention-broadeningor “why” questions will ultimately lead to a business reason for theinvention, which is really a broader interpretation of the originaltechnical reason. For example, the ultimate reasons for inventing abetter marker may be to sell more markers, to increase share price, etc.

[0067] 7.2.3 Enabling the Invention: Down the Ladder of Abstraction

[0068] Once the problem solved by the invention has been elucidated, andalternative and/or additional aspects have been produced and orconceived, the facilitator switches gears and facilitates the productionand conception of enabling details of the invention. This stage of themethod of the invention is characterized by invention-narrowingquestions, typically in the form of “how” questions.

[0069] Referring again to FIG. 3, asking the question “How is point 1achieved?” elicits point 4, which is a more detailed explanation of theoriginal invention 301. Point 4 solves a new problem of how to create awindow in a plastic cylinder. Point 4 provides a potentially patentableplastic mold 304A/304B and/or molding process comprising an inner solidcylinder 310 and an outer hinged cylinder 311 with a metal insert 313arranged such that when plastic flows into the space between the innerand outer cylinders, an open region is formed into which a clear plasticwindow is inserted.

[0070] The question “How is point 4 achieved,” yields another problem tobe solved, namely “What type of plastic would be best suited to create aclear plastic window?” This may be solved by known plastics moldingtechnologies or may result in further novel developments, such as noveluses of particular plastics or even conception of novel plastics.

[0071] If the starting point is a technical reason, then a series of“how” questions ultimately leads to scientific reasons. Thus, using theladder of abstraction, any starting point can be taken and different“levels of invention” defined.

[0072] As noted above, an inventor discussing his or her inventionusually describes the invention in terms of the technical problem solvedby the invention. Asking a series of “how” questions, facilitatesconception of a more detailed description of the critical elements ofthe invention, especially those relating to the primary embodiment orbest mode. These details contribute to enabling the invention.Additional, “how” questions ultimately lead to scientific reasons orprinciples. Pure scientific principles are not patentable; however,asking “how” questions until pure scientific principles are reachedprovides an indication that the invention is at a high degree ofconceptual development, and that it is therefore potentially patentable,even without actual reduction to practice. An inability to reachestablished scientific principles can indicate that further research isneeded before the invention will be patentable.

[0073] 7.3 Growing the Invention

[0074] The interview method of the invention preferably includes a“growing the invention” step. This step is useful to elicit enhancementsto the basic invention through a structured set of questioning themes.Examples of suitable questioning themes include: disadvantages of theinvention, advantages of the invention, operability issues, other waysto solve the same problem, licensing strategy, and identification ofcompetitors.

[0075] The “growing the invention” component of the interview methodgenerally includes one or more of the following steps:

[0076] 1. identification and/or characterization of a basic invention;

[0077] 2. selection of a questioning theme by the facilitator;

[0078] 3. identification by the inventor of an aspect of the basicinvention that falls within the questioning theme chosen;

[0079] 4. conception, preferably by the inventor, of enhancements to thebasic invention relating to the aspect identified in step 3;

[0080] 5. iteration of steps 3 and 4 for different aspects within thesame questioning theme until aspects are exhausted; and

[0081] 6. iteration of steps 2-5 until questioning themes are exhausted.

[0082] As an example, consider the hypothetical marker inventiondescribed above and illustrated in FIG. 2. A facilitator executing the“growing the invention” component of the interview method would choose aquestioning theme. If, for example, the theme “disadvantages of thebasic invention,” is chosen, then the inventor may be asked to identifyaspects of the basic invention of FIG. 2 that may be thought of asdisadvantages. In this example, the inventor may identify “difficulty inseeing the ink through the small clear plastic window” as being apotential disadvantage. Then based on the identified disadvantage, theinventor can be asked to propose an enhancement to the basic inventionaddressing the disadvantage. An example of an enhancement to the basicinvention addressing this disadvantage would be to shape the clearplastic window so that it functions as a lens, thereby magnifying theview of the ink. This process can be continued, identifying additionaldisadvantages, until the inventor can conceive of no more aspects withinthis questioning theme.

[0083] Another questioning theme can then be selected, such as“advantages of the basic invention.” The inventor can be asked toidentify aspects of the basic invention that may be thought of asadvantages. In this example the inventor may identify “advanced noticeof ink shortage” as being an advantage of the basic invention. Based onthis advantage, the inventor can be asked to propose an enhancement oralternative to the basic invention relating to this advantage. Anexample of such an enhancement might be to add a miniature radiotransmitter to the marker that alerts an inventory monitoring systemwhen the ink in the marker is running low, so that new markers can beordered.

[0084] Another questioning theme can then be selected, such as“operability issues.” The inventor can be asked to identify aspects ofthe basic invention that may be thought of as operability issues, e.g.,an aspect of the invention that might prevent the invention fromworking. In this example, the inventor may identify “occlusion of theclear plastic window by ink” as an operability issue of the basicinvention. The inventor can be asked to propose an enhancement to thebasic invention to address the operability issue. Continuing with themarker example, a solution might be to ensure that the clear plasticwindow is made from a plastic that is resistant to ink or to utilize alipophilic material for the clear window and a hydrophilic ink.

[0085] This process may therefore be continued using multiplequestioning themes. The result is a number of potentially patentableenhancements to the basic invention. The questioning theme “other waysto solve the same problem” might result in the inventor revisiting waysthat he or she had thought of to solve the problem in the past and yetdiscarded at the time for erroneous reasons. The last two examples ofquestioning themes, licensing and competitors, may result in theinventor re-evaluating how the invention fits into the competitiveand/or patent landscape.

[0086] 7.4 Documenting the Invention Interview

[0087] The facilitator, using any recording means (e.g., paper andpencil, computer word processing, tape recorder, video recorder) mustminimally capture the description of the basic invention and theenhancements and/or alternatives to that basic invention identifiedduring the invention interview process. Additionally, the facilitatormay record other information including, but not limited to, known priorart, licensing opportunities, competitors, other ways to solve the sameproblem, etc.

[0088] 7.5 Capturing Administrative Information

[0089] The facilitator, using any recording means (e.g., paper andpencil, computer word processing, tape recorder, video recorder)preferably captures the administrative information related to the basicinvention and all of the enhancements to that basic invention discoveredduring the invention interview process. Minimally, the facilitator mustcapture the inventor name(s) and the date of interview. Additionally,the facilitator may record other information, such as, invention title,inventor contact information (e.g. mailing address, phone number, emailaddress), assignee name, etc.

[0090] The many features and advantages of the invention are apparentfrom the detailed specification. Numerous modifications and changes willreadily occur to those of ordinary skill in the art; consequently, theinvention is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Allsuitable modifications and equivalents should be considered as fallingwithin the spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of facilitating conception of inventiveconcepts by an inventor, the method comprising any one or more of thefollowing: (a) interviewing an inventor to identify or otherwisecharacterize a basic invention; (b) facilitating conception of inventiveelements using creative stimulus comprising how-type questions relatingto the functioning of the invention identified in l(a); and (c)iterating (b)(i) to (b)(ii).
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein the basicinvention is identified and/or characterized by accomplishing any one ormore of the following steps: (a) facilitating drawing of a diagram ofthe basic invention; (b) facilitating definition of one or more elementsof the basic invention; and (c) facilitating definition of problem(s)solved and/or problems to be solved by the basic invention.
 3. Themethod of claim 1 further comprising communicating to the inventors anyone or more concepts selected from the group consisting of. (a) conceptof an invention being a function of the problem to be solved by thebasic invention, the element(s) that comprise the basic invention, andhow the elements are connected or interrelated; (b) a ladder ofabstraction; (c) prior art, novelty, nonobviousness, inventive step, andbar dates; (d) inventorship; and (e) enablement and written description.4. The method of claim 1 further comprising documenting and/or recordingoutput of any of steps (a)-(c).
 5. The method of claim 1 furthercomprising documenting and/or recording administrative information.
 6. Amethod of “growing” a basic invention, the method comprising: (a)identifying the basic invention; (b) selecting a questioning theme; (c)identifying an aspect of the basic invention by one or more inventorsthat falls within the questioning theme; (d) identifying enhancements tothe basic invention by the one or more inventors, wherein theenhancements relate to the aspect of the invention; (e) repeating(c)-(d) one or more times for alternate aspects of the basic inventionwithin a questioning theme; and (f) repeating (b)-(e) one or more timesfor alternate questioning themes.
 7. The method of claim 7 wherein thealternate questioning themes comprises one or more themes selected fromthe group consisting of: (a) disadvantages of the basic invention; (b)advantages of the basic invention; (c) operability issue(s); (d) otherways to solve a same problem; (e) licensing strategies; and (f)identification of competitors and/or competitive products.
 8. The methodof claim 7 further comprising prior to the “growing” of the basicinvention, communicating to the inventor(s) any one or more conceptsselected from the group consisting of: (a) concept of an invention beinga function of a problem to be solved by the basic invention, element(s)that comprise the basic invention, and how the element(s) are connectedor interrelated; (b) a ladder of abstraction; (c) prior art, novelty,nonobviousness, inventive step, and bar dates; (d) inventorship; and (e)enablement and written description.
 9. The method of claim 7 furthercomprising documenting and/or recording output of any of steps (a)-(f).10. The method of claim 7 further comprising documenting and/orrecording administrative information.
 11. A method of facilitatingconception of inventive concepts by an inventor, the method comprisingany one or more of the following: (a) communicating to the inventorsconcepts selected from the group consisting of: (i) concept of aninvention being a function of a problem to be solved by the basicinvention, element(s) that comprise the basic invention, and how theelement(s) are connected or interrelated; (ii) a ladder of abstraction;(iii) prior art, novelty, nonobviousness, inventive step, and bar dates;(iv) inventorship; and (v) enablement and written description; (b)defining detail of the basic invention the defining detail of the basicinvention comprises any one or more of the following: (i) interviewingan inventor to identify or otherwise characterize a basic invention;(ii) facilitating conception of inventive elements using creativestimulus comprising how-type questions relating to the functioning ofthe invention identified in (b)(i); and (iii) repeating (b)(i) to(b)(ii); (c) growing the basic invention by a method comprising any oneor more of the following steps: (i) identifying the basic invention;(ii) selecting a questioning theme; (iii) identifying an aspect of thebasic invention that falls within the questioning theme; (iv)identifying enhancements to the basic invention by the inventor(s),wherein the enhancements relate to the aspect of the invention; (v)repeating (c)(iii)-(c)(iv) one or more times for alternate aspects ofthe basic invention a questioning theme; and (vi) repeating(c)(ii)-(c)(v) one or more times for alternate questioning themes; (d)documenting and/or recording output of any of steps (b)(i)-(b)(iii) and(c)(i)-(c)(vi); and (e) documenting and/or recording administrativeinformation.
 12. The method of claim 13 wherein the alternatequestioning themes comprise one or more themes selected from the groupconsisting of: (a) disadvantages of the basic invention; (b) advantagesof the basic invention; (c) operability issues; (d) other ways to solvea same problem; (e) licensing strategies; and (f) identification ofcompetitors and/or competitive products.